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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

10 Lessons Learned from Calving

The final countdown is upon us – 40 heifers and the rest of
April stand between us and the sweet freedom of a night of restful sleep.

Here are some life lessons I have learned from this first
season of calving as a couple.

1) The ones you work the hardest to save are the ones you
lose. Truth. Anyone who has worked with livestock will attest to that.

2) Being surrounded by life and baby animals – don’t be
surprised if the subject of little ones comes up. If it does – do not be
offended if your spouse relates everything back to cattle terminology and crack
jokes about first time heifers and mothering up.

3) Pick your battles. Calving is stressful. The nights are
long and the spouses get grumpy. They are not mad at you – just frustrated.

4) The laundry will pile up and your house will smell like a
barn. In times like these I find solace in scented candles and scrubbing
bubbles

5) You will get a call from the barn from your spouse in a
huff demanding you to come out RIGHT NOW to help him. I learned the hard way
not to wear gym shorts in January. Lesson – dress as if you may have to go
outside in a pinch no matter the weather.

Oh so true. You have to take the good with the bad, and pray for all good. Our heifer calving ended March 6. Now we are setting up to start branding! Saturday will be the heifers. I am thankful that me husband and I work very well together. And no PJ's at the calving barn! :) If you dress for a long night, it usually isn't. Happy calving!

This is not our first calving season together, but I like your list Elizabeth. 2005 a few months after we were married I was home full time during calving and this is my 2nd home full time during calving season. I have always helped on weekends and when I can. But, being home full time is different than just helping.

#3 He is not mad at me, just frustrated with cows, calves and bad weather. Repeat!

#4 I have been trying to keep the entry picked up. I am a neat freak and can't wait until this snow storm is over so I can wash rugs and mop.

#5 and 6. I don't know what all I need for clothes. J ordered rain gear on Monday. We have not used rain gear for years. I wear so many layers it literally takes at least 5 minutes or more for my slow self to get dressed. But, I don't complain about being to cold very often.

#7 :) A short walk on the treadmill to relives some stress helps too. If you have the energy to do it.

Love this! It is all so very true. We're supposed to be calving now too, if ours ever catch on to the plan and decide to go into labor. Not quite sure what they're waiting for... But much of this applies to when I was farrowing out my gilts a couple weeks back too. Especially #1 - especially. It really, really sucks - but hey, that's farm life for you I guess. Good luck with the last 40!

Oh wow this is so true I have been a cow calf beef farmer with my husband who also works full time for 35 years. It is a hard wonderful physically exhausting exhilarating life and even though I am slowing down there is nothing else that has ever brought more joy to our family. You are right on with these #1 still is the hardest one. Good luck with your new plot of land. B